Actor and activist Mark Ruffalo has publicly criticized the proposed $111 billion merger between Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery, specifically targeting the involvement of the Ellison family. Taking to Instagram, Ruffalo expressed concerns about David Ellison, owner of Paramount Skydance and son of Oracle CEO Larry Ellison, potentially gaining control over major media assets including CNN.
Ruffalo’s objections center on Oracle’s reported technological support for Israeli military operations. The actor shared a video featuring Oracle executive Safra Catz discussing the company’s contribution of advanced technology to assist Israel’s defense efforts. Ruffalo characterized these connections as part of what he describes as a “genocide” against Palestinians, arguing that merging such technology with a major media conglomerate poses significant risks.
The merger faces additional obstacles beyond Ruffalo’s activism, with a dozen state attorneys general currently challenging the deal on antitrust grounds. Ruffalo warned of substantial job losses, citing projections of approximately 4,500 direct positions and 10,000 additional jobs in related industries that could be eliminated. He characterized the consolidation as detrimental to workers, consumers, and competition within the entertainment sector.
Originally reported by Variety →
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